My Life's Adventure...: Springtime In London

So, I'm sitting on the window seat in my flat, the sky is blue with fluffy clouds, someone down the street is playing music that I can hear (romantic rock!), and I am still reveling in the day that I just had, remnants of powdered sugar on my shirt from the world's best almond croissant (found at Flour Power City Bakery at Borough Market). Today was one of those days where the soul feels as light and airy as the warm breeze, and gratitude is tossed around like rice at a wedding - because one cannot help but be thankful for the experiences of life.

Today was the warmest day I've seen London have - and it was glorious. There were tourists in shorts, some in flip flops, and still others in parkas and Uggs. The sun was my constant companion today and it is still shining although the clock ticks towards 6:30pm. My day started with a tube ride to the London Bridge exit and a short walk to the bank of the Thames River. Had lunch outside at the Thameside Inn, overlooking the river. I thought it time I try a traditional English dish - bangers and mash - and opted for a vegetarian spin that was unexpectedly delicious - wild mushroom, herb, and black pepper "sausages" with a side of chips. I lounged at the table watching the ferries and water taxis go by, the business minded crossing the London Bridge, the tourists taking photos, and I soaked up as much Vitamin D as I could. Then it was time to make my way through Borough Market. It's like a farmer's market on steroids. And there is quite a rich history behind it - the market first started 1,000 years ago on London Bridge, where country farmers brought fresh goods to the city gates. The market now sits under a huge Victorian arcade with trains rumbling above, Southwark Cathedral as its neighbor, and is one of London's oldest public gathering spots. This market opens at 2am for open-air wholesale produce buying and stocks most of London's thousands of eateries. (There are also wholesale fish, meat, and flower markets in various parts of the city that supply London, but I haven't made it there yet...I'm envisioning huge fish being flung above my head and large beefy men in bloody aprons!)

Anyway - the Market was amazing - with a kaleidoscope of colors, smells, and noises. Bushels of fresh produce, fresh fish counters, organic smoothie stands, curry counters, french cheese cases, baked pastries, pies, and tables lined with loaves of fresh breads, flowers and lavender bundles from Provence...it was intoxicating. Some people were there to shop, some to eat, and others just to watch. Every available bench and piece of sidewalk was crowded with Londoners consuming their lunches or snacks from the Market while basking in the sun. The pubs nearby were empty and dark on the inside while all their patrons drank their pints on outdoor patio tables or standing in the sun. There was a vibe and an energy to the whole South Bank area that was uplifting. I made my way out of the Market with a fresh baked Baguette, an almond croissant, strawberries, eggplant, vine tomatoes, and a red and green pepper.

Because every tour book tells you to, and because today seemed like the perfect day to do so - I stopped at the Ice Cream truck parked by the South Bank river walk. Their first original treat (and most popular and oldest treat) is the 99p - it's a cone with vanilla ice cream and a Cadbury chocolate Flake bar stuck into it. Cone in hand, I walked along the bank of the river, passed Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and a very cool and very old traditional pub called the Anchor. Then inspiration struck as I was standing by the entrance to the Thames Clipper - which is the name for the water taxi, which is a part of the general London transport services like the tube (you can even use your Oyster card, tube pass on the boats). Boarded the boat at Bankside Pier and rode it all the way to Millbank Pier. It was such a thrill! What a great way to see London, standing on the back of a big boat, the wind whipping your hair, passing under grand bridges, coasting by Big Ben and the House of Parliament...I was so excited I didn't want to get off! After disembarking at Millbank Pier, I had a leisurely walk back towards Big Ben, walking along the river, through Victoria Tower Park (which sits just to the side of Parliament and is full of daffodils and flowering trees) where I could actually smell the grass, and an impromptu football game was underway. Made my way past Westminster Abbey, Parliament, St. Stephen's Tower (which is actually what most people think is Big Ben - Big Ben is the name of the bell inside the tower!), and crossed Westminster Bridge. I stopped halfway across the iconic bridge to take it all in. Just behind me the historic trademarks of London -just to the front, the London Eye - ferris wheel, -and to the sides, the Thames sparkling with diamonds in the afternoon sun.

I made my way through the mobs of people queuing to get on the London Eye, and walked to Waterloo Station, another amazing train station with its own city under a massive canopy. Finally back in Balham, met up with a friend at Starbucks for a mango tea icee and then walked home the long way through Tooting Common, so I could see the strollers on parade, the random football games, and all the locals generally delighting in the sunny warm Spring day. I feel like the sun came out to shine on me today and for that I'm so very grateful.

Pictures from Borough Market -